Air Force veteran Dan Stucky, 68, displayed his national pride at the bell-ringing ceremony. “I am just mesmerized by our past and what we as a country have done for the world,” he said. DAVID ANGELL -- FOR THE MACOMB DAILY

The sound of freedom rang out Friday as dozens of war veterans and others gathered in New Baltimore for the symbolic bell-ringing ceremony to mark the 238th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lempke-Blackwell Post 7573 carried out its decades-old tradition of ringing the post’s Bell of Freedom in front the New Baltimore post on 23 Mile Road in a ceremony led by the color guard.

“It’s more than backyard barbecues and fireworks, it’s more than the Fourth of July -- it’s Independence Day,” said Post Commander Chris Tear, 41, a U.S. Navy veteran who works for the Michigan Air Guard’s 127th Air Refueling Group at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Veterans, children, dignitaries and visitors were invited to take turns pulling a long rope to ring the bell. Officials said the ceremony dates back to the Continental Congress that used the bell to alert townspeople that the declaration had been drafted.

Advertisement

During a lull in the ceremony, a passing motorist shouted “Thank you” to the veterans and guests who were assembled in front of the building.

“This has been very impressive,” said VFW State Sr. Vice Commander Paul McIvor of Yale.

Other dignitaries included New Baltimore Mayor John Dupray, who served in the U.S. Army 1967-1969, and Chesterfield Township Treasurer Linda Hartman, a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Dupray said the ceremony was important because it helps pass on to future generations the story of the country’s creation.

“That’s what keeps the fabric of our state and nation going,” Dupray said. “We have these gatherings so we don’t forget.”

Air Force veteran Daniel Stucky, 68, who has been delving into American history, agreed.

“I am just mesmerized by our past and what we as a country have done for the world,” he said. “All of the men who died in every war and the brave men who followed in their footsteps to try to help others. That’s what this is all about.”

The VFW acquired the bell from the city of New Baltimore. Purchased in 1890, it had been used to sound fire alarms and curfews. It rang every day at noon and 6 p.m. from the belfry of the city’s previous town hall on Maria Street. That building was demolished in 1938. The VFW opened its doors in 1949.